What is a Domain Name?
A domain name is a website address that users type into a browser URL bar to access a website on the Internet. Simply put, a domain name is where you find businesses online.
A domain name is an easy-to-understand representation of what goes on behind the scenes when a user performs a domain name search on the Internet. Every computer that connects to the Internet is assigned an IP address, a string of unique numbers that identify each device on the network. Instead of memorising these complex numbers, we use domain names to create distinctive digital addresses that are easy to input and search for.
Why is a Domain Name Important to Your Business?
1. Increases the Credibility of Your Business:
A generic website address does not give users the confidence to learn more about your website and brand. Registering a domain name demonstrates your commitment to developing products and services of value to your customers.
2. Enhances Your Web Presence Mobility:
Whether you switch to a new web hosting provider or transfer to your own in-house server, your domain name stays relevant, and you can continue to grow your brand without starting over. This means that you will not lose your search engine rankings.
The Benefits of Long Domain Names
When considering a domain name for your business, there are several factors to consider. If your brand name is long or ambiguous, sticking with your brand name and purchasing a longer domain name helps eliminate confusion for users. In this case, a longer domain name makes it easier to identify what your business is about.
With so many domain names registered each year as businesses continue to build their online presence, chances are the domain name you want is already in use. You can find out who the domain name belongs to and buy it from them, but only if they are willing to sell. Otherwise, you are more likely to be able to register the domain name of your choice if you come up with a longer domain name.
One of the best advantages of choosing a long domain name is that you can include target keywords. Incorporating keywords into your URLs gives Google a clearer picture of what to expect from your website and helps you rank higher on search engine result pages (SERPs).
The Benefits of Short Domain Names
Short domains are usually 15 characters or less and easy to read. Promoting your domain name through multiple channels, such as social media platforms and web browsers, makes it easier for consumers to remember and type your domain name. Short domains take up relatively little space and are easier to include in printed materials such as business cards and pamphlets.
Short domains are catchy, memorable, and easy to share. Whether you simply embed your domain name in a post or copy and paste your domain name to share with others, a shorter domain name will look more organised and professional. The biggest advantage of a short domain name is that it is an easy way to generate word of mouth and drive new traffic to your site, especially if you are looking to build brand awareness.
Which is Better, a Long Domain Name or a Short Domain Name?
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to domain names. Generally speaking, you should choose a domain name that clearly reflects the product or service you offer to your customers and keep it as short as possible. That being said, there are SEO Adelaide benefits to using domain names that contain the search terms you want to rank for, and longer domain names are often more attainable.
Google still prioritises domains with keywords that sites want to rank for. These are exact match domains (EMD) and partial match domains (PMD). Ideally, you should select a domain name that contains your brand name and keywords that best describe your business.
Conclusion
If you are setting up a new website or renaming your domain name, consider seeking help from a professional digital marketing agency. Choosing a domain name is one of the most important decisions you make as a business owner, as it gives your website a unique identity and represents your brand. Your domain name affects how you promote your business, how your users and prospects perceive your brand, and how they interact with your business.
